“Infuriated” residents say they “deserved common courtesy” when works and overnight security was set up outside their homes without warning.

Watford Community Housing began “drilling” on a grass area last week at Croxley View, Watford, which has been identified as a potential development site.

Lyn Cooper, who lives with her son nearby, says neighbours couldn’t believe they only found out work was taking place when they heard the noise at 8am on Wednesday (January 25).

Watford Observer: Land at Croxley ViewLand at Croxley View (Image: Lyn Cooper)

When Labour councillor Nigel Bell arrived to speak to her about the issues, they noticed a car parked on the green. It turned out to be overnight security watching the area outside her home.

The Croxley View resident said: “We are all of the same opinion. I just find it all very upsetting.

“We know they don’t need permission but it's common courtesy, having a security car and that much equipment outside… you would expect to be told.

She added they did not know anything about why the car was parked there, adding it was "all a bit infuriating".

“I feel unwell from it, I’ve got such a headache from trying to get to the bottom of what was actually happening.”

Cllr Bell said: “I was very concerned to be called by residents in Croxley View when they heard the noise and it turned out there were holes being drilled.

Watford Observer: Land at Croxley ViewLand at Croxley View (Image: Lyn Cooper)

“Residents should have been informed out of courtesy.”

A Watford Community Housing (WCH) spokesperson said: “Low impact investigative works are being carried out on this land.

“These works have been licenced by Watford Borough Council as the site was identified for potential development in its local plan, which was published in 2021.”

As it is only initial exploratory works, expected to last around 10 days, there is no legal requirement for residents to be notified.

The spokesperson added: “They are necessary to understand whether the site is suitable for development.

Watford Observer: (Circled) the Land at Croxley View(Circled) the Land at Croxley View (Image: Google Maps)

“If a development proposal is put forward in future, it will go through the normal planning process, giving community members the chance to view any plans and voice their opinion.

“Public safety is our top priority, so a security team has been overseeing the equipment outside of working hours.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience these necessary works may have caused.”